Lululemon and sustainable material manufacturing innovator Genomatica are partnering to produce bio-based activewear pieces, and potentially, the next generation of athletic apparel. The collaborating companies will be creating a plant-based nylon material to replace synthetics in Lululemon's designs and it makes the most of Genomatica's biotechnology and fermentation to convert plant-based ingredients into chemicals.
This multi-year collaboration marks Lululemon’s first equity investment in a sustainable company and Genomatica’s largest retail partnership. Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald says that Genomatica will "help us deliver on our Impact Agenda goals to make 100 percent of our products with sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions by 2030, as we move toward a circular ecosystem." Lululemon's Impact Agenda, released in 2020, outlined a series of social and environmental goals to work towards for a more sustainable future.
What's Driving This Trend
- Bio-based Activewear
- Using plant-based nylon material to replace synthetics creates opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly athletic apparel.
- Sustainable Material Manufacturing
- Partnerships between sustainable material manufacturers and fashion companies create opportunities for sustainable and ethical fashion production.
- Circular Ecosystem
- A shift towards a circular ecosystem in the fashion industry, including sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions, presents disruptive innovation opportunities.
Who This Affects Most
- Fashion
- The fashion industry can benefit from partnerships with sustainable material manufacturers to produce eco-friendly and sustainable apparel.
- Biotechnology
- The biotechnology industry can provide innovative solutions for sustainable materials for the fashion industry.
- Sustainable Manufacturing
- Sustainable manufacturing can disrupt traditional manufacturing practices and benefit the fashion industry by promoting sustainable and ethical production methods.
